GP Europe – Free Practice 1: Webber far ahead, Petrov confident

It is Nico Rosberg who leads the way by setting the first time during the initial minutes of the session, before his teammate and Nico Hülkenberg take the advantage. Hülkenberg makes a small error by being in the dust during braking, causing him to lose the rear end and hit the wall, sending his car off. After half an hour of testing, it is Michael Schumacher who sets the fastest time ahead of 12 other drivers, while some have only completed an installation lap.

The two Ferraris then take the lead while Karun Chandhok experiences an issue with the Team Lotus T128, having a problem with second gear. The Australian from Red Bull then positions himself between the two Ferrari drivers before taking first place the following lap. His teammate finally hits the track after an hour of testing as the two LRGP drivers position themselves between Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, with Nick Heidfeld ahead of Vitaly Petrov.

The drivers seem to be using this first practice session to explore the medium tires that will be used during this weekend. After completing a few laps, it seems that Sergio Perez has recovered from his Monaco accident, as the driver completes several laps following his retirement at the Canadian Grand Prix. With fifteen minutes remaining, Lewis Hamilton goes on the attack, setting a very good first sector but losing more than a second in the other two sectors.

Sebastian Vettel’s session seems to be dedicated to testing a new undertray, perhaps in anticipation of the blown diffuser restriction at the next Grand Prix, while Vitaly Petrov set the second-fastest time just behind Mark Webber. Further back in the pack, the battle is intense between Jaime Alguersuari and his potential replacement at Toro Rosso, Daniel Ricciardo, even though the Spaniard has the advantage in terms of lap times.

The practice session ends with Timo Glock’s error as he skids on a kerb before bringing his car to a stop in the middle of the track, having apparently stalled. And since the car cannot be cleared immediately, the session ends under a yellow flag.

So it’s Mark Webber who finishes at the top of this session ahead of Vitaly Petrov and Fernando Alonso, while the reigning world champion ends up in 16th place, after what appears to have been a test session for Red Bull.

Results of Free Practice 1: 2011 European Grand Prix